What makes glider flying greater in New Mexico than in anywhere else?

Question

I'm trying to compare the climate differences/regional differences from New Mexico, Albuquerque area, to Oklahoma, El Reno/West Central area, to see what makes glider flying so much more better in NM, if it even does

Answer 1

Maybe the terrain?  So the pilot can enjoy the area without the loud engines of an airplane.

Answer 2

Actually, the best glider flying I've heard of was in Oma Rama, New Zealand.  (No idea if I spelled that right or not.)

Other than that, I'd say thermals and winds.

JT

Answer 3

Sail planes rely on thermals or updrafts to stay aloft. Thermals are caused by the difference in surface heating (i.e. the air rises faster over a plowed field than over a shady green Forrest), or the air rises over uplifted terrain such as mountains when the wind blows over them, this is called Orthographic lifting.

N.M. has both.

Answer 4

It isn't better in New Mexico than anywhere else. I don't think one US or world record was set in NM. Idaho, California, Colorado but none in NM. And no, New Zealand isn't even close.